The turning radius of an electric forklift is not "the smaller the better"; instead, it requires a comprehensive assessment based on multiple factors such as actual application scenarios, operational safety, and handling stability. Its "merits or demerits" depend on whether it matches specific needs. The following is a detailed analysis from three perspectives—"advantages", "limitations", and "suitable scenarios"—to help understand the logical approach to selecting an appropriate turning radius:
In specific scenarios, a small turning radius can directly improve operational efficiency and space utilization, which is its most core value. This is mainly reflected in the following aspects:
A small turning radius means the forklift requires less "maneuvering space" when turning. It is suitable for scenarios such as warehouses with narrow aisles, dense shelf spacing (e.g., aisle width of only 2-3 meters), or operation areas with fixed obstacles (e.g., columns, equipment). It can avoid issues like "being unable to turn around or get in" due to insufficient space.
When facing scenarios that require frequent turns (e.g., sorting of small goods, switching between multiple lanes, short-distance transportation in workshops), forklifts with a small turning radius are more flexible to operate. They can complete turns without adjusting the direction multiple times, reducing operational steps and indirectly improving transportation efficiency.
If the space of an existing warehouse or workshop is limited, choosing a forklift with a small turning radius can avoid the need to widen aisles or adjust shelf layouts to accommodate a larger turning radius, thus saving the time and capital costs of site renovation.
Pursuing an extremely small turning radius will sacrifice part of the design rationality, potentially leading to safety hazards or operational restrictions. These mainly include:
The smaller the turning radius, the greater the friction between the wheels and the ground, and the larger the centrifugal force of the forklift body during turning (especially when the turning speed is slightly higher). If the forklift's chassis design is not properly matched (e.g., excessively short wheelbase, insufficient counterweight), it is prone to "tail swing" or rollover risks. Particularly when carrying fully loaded goods, the shift in the center of gravity will exacerbate this problem.
A small turning radius relies on a larger steering angle of the wheels (e.g., front-wheel steering angle exceeding 90°). During the turning process, the proportion of "sliding friction" between the tires and the ground increases, which will cause the tire wear rate (especially for the steering wheels) to be 30%-50% faster than that of forklifts with a larger turning radius, increasing long-term maintenance costs.
To achieve a small turning radius, some manufacturers will shorten the forklift's wheelbase or simplify the chassis structure. This will lead to a decrease in the torsional resistance of the forklift body, thereby limiting its maximum load-carrying capacity. For example, for 1-ton forklifts of the same brand, the actual safe load capacity of the model with a small turning radius may only be 0.8-0.9 tons, rather than the marked 1 ton. Long-term overloading may easily cause structural damage.
The contact area between the steering wheels of forklifts with a small turning radius and the ground is usually smaller (to adapt to flexible steering). If the operating ground has potholes, protrusions, or oil stains, it will result in uneven grip of the wheels, making the forklift prone to "slipping" during turning and increasing operational risks (especially in scenarios with complex ground conditions such as cold storage and workshops).
When selecting an electric forklift, there is no need to blindly pursue the "smallest radius"; instead, it should be matched with the actual operational scenario, focusing on the following 3 core points:
- If the fixed aisle width of the warehouse is ≤ 2.5 meters: Priority should be given to "narrow-aisle forklifts" (e.g., three-wheel electric forklifts) with a turning radius of less than 1500mm to avoid steering jams in the aisles.
- If the aisle width is ≥ 3 meters: Conventional forklifts with a turning radius of 1500-2000mm can be selected, which balance stability and flexibility without excessive pursuit of a small radius.
- If the forklift operates under full load (rated load of 1 ton) for a long time and requires frequent turns: It is recommended to ｓｅｌｅｃｔ models with a turning radius of 1600-1800mm to balance flexibility and load-carrying stability, and avoid wear and rollover risks of models with a small radius.
- If the forklift is mainly used for light-load (less than 0.5 tons) and short-distance transportation: Models with a small turning radius (1200-1500mm) can be selected to improve operational efficiency.
- Flat ground (e.g., warehouses with epoxy floors): There are few restrictions on the turning radius, and the selection can be based on the aisle width.
- Rough or oily ground (e.g., machinery factories, logistics unloading areas): Priority should be given to models with a slightly larger turning radius (over 1800mm) and a large contact area between the steering wheels and the ground to reduce the risk of slipping.
The "quality" of an electric forklift's turning radius essentially depends on its "adaptability to the scenario". In narrow-space operations, a small turning radius is an advantage; however, in scenarios involving heavy loads, complex ground conditions, or the need for long-term stability, an excessively small turning radius will instead become a drawback. When making a selection, one should first clarify the "aisle width, load requirements, and ground conditions" of their own site, and then match the corresponding turning radius, rather than simply judging its merits based on the "numerical value".
